24,000 Access to HE students are accepted at over 140 universities every year*
90% of graduates with Diploma were employed or in further study six months after graduating (2017/18)
Do you have a strong interest in computing? Want to study this subject at university level, but don’t currently meet the entry requirements for a degree? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) is designed to give adult learners an intensive introduction to this field, as well as boosting your study skills to prepare you for higher education.
The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A-levels. It is designed for individuals who do not have traditional qualifications or a formal educational background, providing the necessary skill set to progress onto study at university and a subsequent career in a relevant field. As well as enhancing your academic skills, our one-year course lets you explore a range of areas in the field of information technology (IT), including programming and mathematics, web design, networking, cyber security, databases and systems.
By completing this Access to HE Diploma, you will be able to take your first step towards a wide variety of industry careers, from software engineer or IT technician to website content manager or database developer. You will also be ready to embark on a range of degree-level courses within the computing sector.
Why choose this college course?
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – This Access to Higher Education Diploma will give you a nationally-recognised qualification to help meet the entry requirements for university
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Gain the necessary study skills and key knowledge for your chosen subject or career, as well as the independent learning skills needed for university study
- GREAT LEARNING SUPPORT – Enjoy a positive and supportive learning experience that will develop your skills and confidence to progress onto higher education
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Continue your learning journey to the next level at University College Birmingham, such as on our computing degree.
Our facilities
Students on our computing and ICT courses at University College Birmingham have access to new computer labs on campus, as well as our new Digital Creative Studio featuring industry-standard media equipment.
Based in Camden House, our new Digital Creative Studio houses a dedicated teaching lab complete with high-spec computers and industry-standard media technology, including Adobe Creative Cloud software
The Digital Creative Studio features state-of-the-art video and audio production facilities, including a video production studio with 4K cameras and green screen technology
Our Digital Creative Studio also hosts audio podcasting, vision mixing and editing facilities, as well as a creative media and design lab with graphics tablets
Course breakdown
Topics you will study
- Study Techniques
- Mathematics for Computing
- Cyber Forensics
- Computer Systems
- Database Development
- Networking
- Installing, Configuring and Maintaining Systems
- Software Design and Development
- Event Driving Programming
- Designing and Developing a Website
- Network Security
- Cyber Threats and Legislation
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
Entry requirements
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma course has been designed for students who have not had the opportunity to access higher education.
Academic requirements
- GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent
- If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919 or email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk
Supporting documents required
Applicants will also be required to submit a reference from a previous or current employment role. Please where possible submit this with your application by emailing your reference to feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through coursework assignments and projects.
Please note: This course requires attendance of two days per week.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Fees
The fee for this course is £3,022. Please click here for more information.
Please note: Student Finance England will 'write off' any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it. (The higher education course must be eligible for Student Finance).
Access to Higher Education
This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Career opportunities
This course is designed to enable your progression onto higher education. Depending on entry requirements, you could continue onto a degree at University College Birmingham, such as Computer Science or Cyber Security.
With further study, possible future career options open to you include:
Network administrator
Average salary: £25,000 – £31,000
Systems analyst
Average salary: £30,000 – £40,000
IT project manager
Average salary: £32,000 – £50,000
IT consultant
Average Salary: £28,000 – £60,000
IT support technician
Average salary: £19,000 – £29,000
Database developer
Average salary: £34,000 – £48,000
Note: The example roles and salaries are intended as a guide only.
Kanwal’s Story
Kanwal brings vast expertise to this new course and is dedicated to promoting learning strengths across diverse groups of students.
Meet your tutors
